Loves Redemption by Kimberly Terry (best novels to read in english .TXT) 📗

Arlinda also had a mixed heritage, her mother was Puerto Rican, and her father was

African. That was where the similarities ended. She and Maya were polar opposites.

Maya was quiet and held her emotional cards close, and Arlinda was flamboyant and

outrageous. She would often laugh and joke, making light of life and love with the majority of her friends.

She once shared with Maya that most of the time she was Arlee. Arlee was the pretty girl

who laughed and joked and made ‘friends’ quickly. With women, she played the party girl who was always up for a fun time, with a flippant comment always at the ready. With men, she

played the sexy flirt who used her femininity as a shield to hide her intelligence and ability. In the end she shared with no one the complete Arlinda.

With Maya she was Arlinda. Arlinda was the real thing. She laughed and cried and

showed she was a woman who was sensitive, and often had her feelings hurt by the selfishness of others, like anyone else.

Arlinda respected the fact Maya didn’t party. But once in a while, she’d drag her out with

her and make her laugh and by the end of the night, Maya would have to admit she’d had a great time.

“Girl, I already know what you’re thinking. We’re supposed to start organizing and

taking care of business, and we will. I have a great idea for the show this year, and we can talk about it at this great sports bar I discovered last week, it’ll be fun. They have great music, cool atmosphere, and the men--ooh la la.” A broad grin split her pretty face. “Girl, the men are simply too fine. Umm. There ought to be a law against ’em! It’ll be fun. Come on,” Arlinda wheedled.

“Arlinda, I’m not dressed to go out anywhere,” Maya protested and laughed at the same

time, holding out the floral dress for her friend’s inspection.

“What? You fishing for a compliment? You look gorgeous; that dress looks great on you!

It really shows off your assets if you know what I mean. If you got it, flaunt it, right? It’s a great departure from you normal wear, girlfriend,” she teased her friend, as her glance stole over the short floral dress that was simple in design, yet complimented Maya’s full curves.

“Okay, it sounds like fun. Let me gather my stuff and I’ll follow you,” Maya finally

agreed, and Arlinda let out a whoop before the women left with Arlinda leading the way. Maya drove and followed Arlinda to the popular bar, located not too far away from Imani House.

“It sure is crowded for a Wednesday night, isn’t it?” Maya asked, after they’d been

forced to park a few blocks from the bar, as the parking lot was packed.

“No, this place is never short for customers, I hear. Each night of the week they feature

something different. You know, like karaoke, line dancing, live bands, and Salsa. Tonight is R&B night,” she answered.

“Arlinda, for somebody who recently discovered a place, you sure do know a lot about

it.” Maya laughed at her.

“Girl, I know. The party girl never stops. I honestly did discover it last week--for real,

Maya!” She laughed at Maya’s doubtful expression. “But I have been back a few times since,”

she admitted with a sheepish grin.

Once inside, Arlinda led them through the maze of patrons like a Seeing Eye dog would

for a blind woman. After they found a deserted table, they sat down on the high-backed stools. A waitress soon approached them with a large smile and took their drink order.

Maya looked around the bar. It was teaming with noise and activity. They’d lucked out

and landed a good table near the dance floor, giving them a bird’s eye view of the entire bar.

“So what is this new idea you have for the fundraiser?” Maya’s voice rose to compensate

for the loud music.

“I was thinking we could include a section for men’s fashion. I’ve been dedicating a

small section of the boutique to a new designer who features men’s clothes, and I thought we could include some of them in the show.” Arlinda spoke over the music, and Maya saw her

checking out a few men who’d caught her eye.

“That sounds great, tell me more,” Maya spoke over the music.

Sitting back with her drink in hand, Arlinda looked across the table at Maya with a slow

smile spreading across her face.

“What? What’s that look for?” Maya asked, noticing both the smile and the coy

expression on her friend’s face.

“Okay, I know we don’t get to see one another as often as I’d like to, but in the last

month I’ve seen you--girlfriend, you’ve changed.”

“What do you mean? How’ve I changed?”

“Can’t quite quantify it. Not really tangible or physical. Although I do like the dress,

much better than those damn jeans and granny dresses you normally sport. But seriously, I don’t quite know what it is, but…” Arlinda insisted, and tapped the end of her nose with her finger.

“And if I didn’t know better, I’d say it was because of a man.”

“Is that your stock answer? Why does the change have to be because of a man?” Maya

wasn’t sure if she should be offended or not.

“So you admit there’s something different going on? If it’s not a man, then what’s going

on? And don’t be offended, it’s a compliment. Maya you’re glowing, I swear to God!”

“I have been seeing someone,” Maya admitted. She rarely spoke to anyone about her

intimate feelings, and even with Arlinda she felt uncomfortable.

“I knew it!” Arlinda returned, before sobering, to put a semi-serious look on her face at

Maya’s scowl. “Sorry. Well go on--tell me all about it, and don’t leave out any juicy details,” she demanded, rubbing her hands together and grinning.

“I told you about the detective who’s been investigating Allison’s murderer?”

“Yes. How’s it going? I guess I should say, how are you doing?” Although it was obvious

Arlinda wanted